Performance Fabric Isn’t Just for Kids and Pets — Choosing Upholstery That Stands Up to Real Life
Even the dog wants to be comfortable and worry-free. When you understand how performance fabrics actually perform, you can design upholstery that welcomes real life — fur, paws, and all.
What performance fabric actually is (and isn’t)
Performance fabric isn’t a single material—it’s a category of textiles designed to handle more of real life with less stress. In general, performance fabrics are engineered to be more resistant to:
abrasion (rubbing, friction from sitting and shifting).
staining and easier to clean.
fading in light.
This can be achieved through:
The fiber content (what the yarns are made of).
The weave structure (how tightly it’s constructed).
The finishes or treatments applied to the surface or built into the yarn.
What performance fabric is not:
Automatically stiff or plasticky.
Only appropriate for casual or kid-focused rooms.
A guarantee that nothing will ever show—life will always leave a trace.
What it can be: a way to design rooms that look high-end and stay that way longer, even when those using the space don’t tiptoe around the furniture.
A quick glossary of performance terms (in human language)
When you start looking at performance fabrics, certain technical terms show up again and again. Here’s what they mean in everyday language:
Martindale
A European/International standard test that measures how well a fabric stands up to wear and tear from rubbing.
A machine rubs the fabric in circles with a standard abrasive material.
The result is a number of “cycles”—the higher the number, the more rubbing it has survived before showing wear.
In practice: higher Martindale = more resistant to everyday friction from sitting, shifting, and sliding.
Double rubs
Another durability test, often called the Wyzenbeek test (a North American standard).
A machine rubs the fabric back and forth over a standard surface. One back-and-forth = one “double rub.”
You’ll see ratings like 15,000 / 30,000 / 50,000+ double rubs.
Higher numbers mean the fabric is better suited to frequent, everyday use on seating.
Lightfastness
This measures how well a fabric’s color resists fading from light, especially sunlight and UV.
Higher lightfastness = color is less likely to wash out or shift dramatically over time.
Important for upholstery near windows, sunrooms, and light-filled spaces.
Color retention
Color retention is about how well a fabric keeps its original color through normal use, cleaning, and light exposure.
Good color retention means the fabric won’t quickly look dull, greyed-out, or uneven.
You don’t need to recite the tests, but it helps to know: When a fabric is described as “high performance,” these are some of the qualities backing up that promise.
Performance isn’t a downgrade—it’s a design strategy
In high-end projects, performance fabric often shows up not as a concession, but as a strategy:
On the main family sofa, so everyone can actually relax while sitting on it.
On banquettes and breakfast seating, where crumbs and spills are guaranteed.
On lounge chairs and ottomans in rooms that host everything from reading to parties.
Designers are choosing performance because they want:
The room to look as good on Friday afternoon as it did in the photos taken on the day it was completed.
Those using the space to truly live in it—not treat it like a set.
The investment in upholstery to last longer before needing reupholstery or replacement.
In other words, performance fabric is about protecting both joy and investment.
Bouclé, linen, and chenille: cozy textures that still feel elevated
When people think “performance,” they often picture flat, utilitarian fabrics. In reality, many of the most beautiful performance options are built on familiar, beloved textures.
Bouclé (boo-CLAY)
Bouclé refers to a looped yarn that creates a soft, pebbled surface.
Often made from wool, cotton, or synthetic blends.
Feels cloud-like and tactile, with visible texture.
In performance versions, the loops and weave are engineered to be more resilient and less snag-prone, making bouclé a gorgeous choice for sofas and chairs in spaces meant to feel cocooning but still refined.
Linen
Traditional linen is made from flax fibers, with tiny, irregular “slubs”—those slightly thicker threads and soft bumps you see in the weave—that give the fabric its natural, nuanced character.
It feels naturally crisp and breathable, with a matte, lived-in look.
Pure linen can crease and show wear in ways some people adore and others find too relaxed.
Performance linen–style fabrics borrow the look and texture of linen—that organic, slubby character—and combine it with fibers and finishes that make it more durable, cleanable, and consistent in high-use zones.
Chenille (shuh-NEEL)
Chenille is named for the French word for “caterpillar” and refers to a yarn with a fuzzy, piled surface.
Commonly made from cotton, rayon, polyester, or blends.
Feels like a favorite sweater: plush, soft, and approachable.
Performance chenilles are designed to keep that cozy comfort while improving abrasion resistance, cleanability, and resistance to crushing on frequently used seating.
In a performance context, these textures echo that: “Yes, this room can feel soft, inviting, and substantial—and still be realistic for everyday life.”
Where performance fabric shines in high-end spaces
Performance fabric earns its place in high-end projects when it’s used where real life hits the hardest:
Main sofas and sectionals
Families, guests, pets, movie nights, naps—it all happens here.
Performance fabrics reduce the anxiety around “don’t spill, don’t touch.”
Banquettes, breakfast nooks, and dining seating
Crumbs, coffee, wine, and tomato sauce are part of the story.
A thoughtfully chosen performance fabric can turn these into relaxed, enjoyable areas instead of worry zones.
Media rooms and lounges
Snacks, feet up, blankets, and everyday wear add up.
Performance helps keep things looking intentional and tailored, not worn out.
Entry benches and mudroom seating
Bags, shoes, and outerwear pass through constantly.
Performance fabric helps these “landings” feel both practical and pulled together.
The key is matching the right performance fabric to the right piece—not using performance everywhere just because it’s available.
Where performance fabric isn’t mandatory (and when to skip it)
Performance fabrics are powerful tools, but they’re not required on every surface. There are times when a standard fabric or more delicate textile is the better choice:
Low-use accent chairs in a quiet corner or bedroom.
Formal dining rooms used a few times a year, where mood and feel can take priority over heavy durability.
Decorative pillows and textiles meant to be changed more frequently as tastes evolve.
In these cases, a carefully chosen standard linen, cotton sateen, wool blend, or specialty textile might be the right call—especially when you want a particular hand, drape, or patina that comes with time.
My go-to performance bases for printed designs
Within the broader world of performance fabrics, there are a few bases I reach for again and again when I’m having my own patterns professionally printed. They balance print quality (all my curated patterns look absolutely fabulous on them), tactile beauty (so very soft), and true real-life performance.
Performance Linen
The performance linen I use gives the look of natural linen—with its soft texture and nuanced slubs—but with added resilience.
What I love about it:
The surface has just enough texture to feel sophisticated and layered.
Colors and patterns print clearly and crisply, so detail isn’t lost in the weave.
The hand feels soft yet structured—not flimsy, not stiff.
There’s a subtle, elegant drape and a gentle, linen-like shimmer that adds refinement without feeling flashy.
Where I like to use it:
Sofas and chairs that see regular, everyday use.
Dining benches, window seats, and built-in banquettes where comfort and durability both matter.
Drapery and Roman shades when I want pattern to feel tailored and calm, with a soft, refined finish rather than a hard shine.
How it stands up:
The performance linen I use has a Martindale score of 31,000, meaning the fabric endured 31,000 rubs in a figure-eight pattern before showing wear; and, a Wyzenbeek score of 21,000, meaning the fabric survived 21,000 back-and-forth rubs. Collectively these scores mean this linen falls in to the heavy domestic use category and general commercial, making it great for busy homes or light-traffic businesses; good for everyday family use and in some commercial settings. Examples: Family sofas, office chairs, restaurant seating, and other high-used upholstered areas.
Performance Linen is my “quiet hero” base: versatile, forgiving, and quietly elevated.
Performance Velvet
Performance velvet is where comfort and polish meet practicality.
What I love about it:
It has a smooth, dense pile that feels soft and inviting.
It holds tailored shapes beautifully on structured furniture.
It’s engineered for higher abrasion resistance and easier cleaning, which makes it realistic for main seating.
Where I like to use it:
Sofas and sectionals in living rooms and family rooms.
Lounge chairs where you want people to sink in and stay a while.
Benches and ottomans that need to earn their keep without quickly looking tired.
How it stands up:
The performance velvet I use has a Martindale score of 50,000, meaning the fabric endured 50,000 circular rubs in testing before showing wear; and, a Wyzenbeek score of 30,000, meaning the fabric survived 30,000 back-and-forth rubs. Collectively these scores mean this velvet is ready for very frequent home use or heavy-duty commercial settings, with superior durability for constant, high-traffic applications, far above typical residential or even general commercial standards. Examples: Family sofas, kitchen banquets, general seating of all kinds, restaurant seating, airports, 24/7 workplaces, hotels, and other high-use upholstered areas.
Performance velvet is my everyday ally when someone wants that velvet feeling without signing up for a museum-level maintenance plan.
Celosia Velvet®
Celosia Velvet® was instantly one of my personal favorites and is my go-to when a project calls for something a little more luxurious and expressive—and its name is beautifully apt.
The fabric is inspired by the Celosia plant, whose blooms are known for their vibrant, velvety, textured forms that can resemble flames, coral, or feathers. Celosia Velvet® echoes that character: rich, dimensional, and visually tactile.
The specific Celosia Velvet® I work with is:
A 100% polyester fabric engineered to mimic the luxurious, short-pile texture and shimmer of high-end velvets (think of the look and feel of traditional silk or mohair velvets, but with modern practicality).
Designed to offer rich, saturated color and excellent print clarity—patterns look almost jewel-like on its surface.
Crafted for easy care compared to many natural-fiber velvets, making it a realistic option for upholstery, pillows, and home décor in real spaces.
In terms of performance, I think of Celosia Velvet® like this:
It’s more indulgent and visually expressive than a straightforward performance velvet.
It is more forgiving and easier to care for than many traditional, non-performance velvets—especially those in natural fibers that can be more delicate.
It’s still not the fabric I choose for the single hardest-working kid-and-pet crash sofa, but it’s absolutely at home on pieces that see regular use and deserve to feel special.
Where I like to use Celosia Velvet®:
Accent chairs that act as focal points in a living room or bedroom.
Headboards and bed benches, where touch and presence matter more than rough-and-tumble wear.
Statement pillows, ottomans, or smaller upholstered pieces that bring a sense of luxury and artfulness into the composition in targeted doses.
Lined, full-length draperies—sometimes with a subtle puddle—on tall, austere windows in high-ceilinged spaces that are asking for a more regal touch.
How it stands up:
The Celosia Velvet® I use has a Martindale score of 40,000, meaning the fabric endured 40,000 circular rubs in testing before showing significant wear; and, a Wyzenbeek score of 80,000, meaning the fabric survived 80,000 back-and-forth rubs. Collectively these scores mean this gorgeous velvet is also ready for heavy home use and suitable for public seating and commercial furniture, with superior durability for constant, high-traffic applications, far above typical residential or even general commercial standards. It’s a luxurious fabric that holds up under constant use. Examples: Family sofas, kitchen banquets, general seating of all kinds, luxury restaurant seating, 24/7 workplaces, luxury hotels, and other high-use upholstered areas.
Performance Velvet is the steady daily workhorse; Celosia Velvet® is the showpiece you reach for when the room deserves something that feels both elevated and livable.
My other two hard-working go-tos are Belgian Linen™ for textured luxury and Recycled Canvas for durable outdoor seating areas
The Belgian Linen™ I use is a certified 100% linen woven in Belgium from fine flax grown in the Flanders region by Libeco™, a heritage mill that has been working with linen since 1858. It’s a medium-weight cloth with a beautifully textured surface that takes color in a rich, nuanced way. Stronger than cotton and naturally breathable, Belgian Linen™ softens and relaxes with everyday use while still feeling tailored and elevated on upholstery and home décor. It isn’t the plushest fabric at first touch, but the elegance it lends to sitting rooms, dining chairs, drapery, and pillows is immediately visible — and the hand becomes more inviting the more you live with it. With a Martindale score of 15,000 and a Wyzenbeek score of 27,000, this Belgian Linen™ is robust enough for most high-traffic residential areas and many commercial applications where both character and durability matter.
The Recycled Canvas I use is a smooth, tightly woven performance fabric with a soft hand, subtle sheen, and excellent color saturation. It’s made with 50% REPREVE® recycled fiber, so each yard or meter includes the equivalent of about ten recycled plastic bottles — a thoughtful choice when you want durability and a lighter environmental footprint. I love it for upholstery and throw pillows in indoor/seasonal outdoor spaces where fabric has to stand up to sun, splashes, and everyday wear. Because of the recycled content, slight color variation from batch to batch is part of its character. With a Martindale score of 60,000 and a Wyzenbeek score of 100,000, this Recycled Canvas falls into an “extra heavy commercial” category, suitable for demanding environments at home (think poolside seating and busy family zones) as well as high-traffic commercial spaces such as schools, hotels, airports, and theaters.
All this being said above, keep in mind that higher numbers for durability do not necessarily mean the fabrics will last significantly longer, but rather confirm their suitability for the most extreme applications
Living with performance fabrics: simple care and stain strategy
Performance fabrics are designed to make everyday life easier—not to demand a lab coat and a panic button every time something spills. That said, a little care goes a long way in helping them look their best over time.
1. Preventive protection: when (and whether) to add extra treatment
Many performance fabrics already have built-in stain and soil resistance. In those cases, adding an aftermarket spray or treatment may be unnecessary—or in some cases, could void a warranty or change how the fabric behaves.
A few guidelines:
Start with the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the fabric tag, spec sheet, or cleaning code first. If it already notes stain repellency, you may not need anything extra.
Ask your upholsterer or workroom. If you’re reupholstering, ask whether they recommend an additional fabric protector for that specific textile.
If you do add a protector:
Look for water-based, fabric-safe products that are clearly labeled for indoor upholstery.
Choose options that are marketed as non-toxic / child- and pet-conscious, and always follow instructions carefully.
Ideally, have a professional apply it on new pieces or after a deep clean, and always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
The goal isn’t to turn your sofa into a plastic shield. It’s to quietly extend the fabric’s natural resistance to spills so those using the space can relax.
2. Everyday spills: the calm response
When something spills, the first step is always: don’t panic, just act quickly.
For most water-based spills (coffee, tea, juice, light sauces):
Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot from the outside in. Rubbing can push liquid deeper into the fibers.
Follow with plain water. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with cool or lukewarm water and continue blotting.
Add a tiny bit of mild soap if needed. If the mark remains, use a small amount of gentle, clear soap diluted in water. Blot again, then finish with plain water to rinse out any residue.
Let it dry fully. Blot dry with a clean towel and let air dry. For velvets, lightly brush the nap in one direction once dry.
Performance fabrics are engineered to release many everyday spills with this kind of quick, low-drama response.
3. Tough stains: grease, red wine, markers
Some spills need a bit more strategy. Always refer to the fabric’s cleaning code and instructions—but in general:
Grease and oil-based stains (butter, salad dressing, body oil):
Blot any excess gently—don’t smear.
Use a small amount of dish soap (the kind formulated to cut grease) diluted in cool water.
Gently blot (never scrub hard), then follow with clean water to remove soap residue.
Let dry and repeat if needed rather than trying to “win” in one aggressive pass.
Red wine and deeply pigmented liquids:
Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth—get as much up as you can before adding liquid.
Follow with cool water and mild soap, blotting rather than scrubbing.
If the fabric’s care instructions allow, you may use a fabric-safe stain remover in a very diluted form—always test in a hidden area first.
Markers and ink:
These can be some of the most stubborn stains, even on performance fabrics.
Blot gently if it’s fresh; avoid spreading the ink.
Check if the manufacturer specifies allowed cleaners (some performance fabrics permit stronger solutions; others don’t).
For high-value pieces or serious ink marks, it’s often worth calling in a professional upholstery cleaner rather than experimenting with harsh household products.
In all cases, it’s better to live with a faint, softened mark than to over-treat and damage the fabric.
Of course, it is always recommended that you follow the specific care instructions for your fabric, and when in doubt—especially for serious stains or specialty textiles—check with your upholsterer, fabric rep, or a professional cleaner before trying anything new.
How I like to talk about performance with those I work with
As an interior decorator and wallpaper and fabric designer, performance fabrics are already part of my toolkit — but not everyone I work with understands why. A few ways I frame the conversation:
“We’re using performance here so you can actually live in this room the way you say you want to—feet up, movie nights, guests, kids.”
“This fabric has been tested for higher abrasion and lightfastness, so it should give you more years before it starts to look tired.”
“We’re pairing performance with texture and pattern so it feels elevated—not like outdoor furniture came inside.”
I also bring a mix of standard and performance swatches to the table and invite those using the space to touch each one. This helps them feel the difference, not just hear about it.
For those using the space: how to decide when performance is worth it
You don’t have to turn every piece into a performance piece. A few questions can help you decide where it matters most:
Which seats get used every single day?
Where are food, drinks, and pets most likely to appear?
What pieces would be expensive or difficult to replace quickly?
Where do you want to relax fully without worrying about every mark?
Those are the places where performance fabrics often earn their investment—so you can enjoy your spaces instead of tiptoeing around them.
If you’ve been thinking of performance fabric as something you tolerate in kid or pet zones—but not in your most beautiful rooms—it might be time to reconsider. With the right textures, bases, and placements, performance fabrics can support how those using the space actually live, and keep your rooms feeling elevated and intentional.
If you’d like help deciding where performance fabrics make the most sense in your home or project—or which bases would best showcase custom patterns—you can reach out to me to start the conversation.
If you’re an interior designer or decorator and want a partner who loves specifying performance fabrics that still feel refined, including Performance Linen, Performance Velvet, and Celosia Velvet®, I’d be delighted to collaborate.
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